The Good... - Jumper looks pure and really nice arc on his shot (I love it!) - Pretty decent handles - Good first step and gets by defenders easily - Uses body really well on drives, get subtle separation to make finishing easier--looks like a vet at this - Explosive dunker and good cutter (Sengun's replacement for KMJ?) - Great anticipation on defense in passing lanes The Bad... - Decision-making... he's 18, from bad decisions on the court to stupid jokes, this should iron itself out as he learns to be a pro - Playmaking... hopefully Ime teaches ball movement and he gets more comfortable - Gets lost on defense, concentration lapses Overall: I'm super excited about this pick. The "confluence" of reasons he dropped appear to be a gift from the Basketball Gods for not getting the #1 in three tries. Here's hoping the young man takes that "drop chip" and turns it into gold.
Comatose. So, what? Dude was asleep/unconscious during interviews? lol. Did they mean "catatonic"? Man, screw it. Let's see how he does - damn "what was". I'm ready for "what will be". Especially since a lot of those picks around #20 are bound to be flops anyway.
On the field I have two (and a half) worries about Whitmore. His lacking assists and really passing overall, that he doesn’t get to the FT line despite his game being centered around bullying his way to the rim and his lack of a midrange/floater game. Those are the reasons I didn’t want him at 4. I would have been fine with trading up for him at 11. I am ecstatic about getting him at 20.
I mean he’s 19. We’ll spend one whole season polishing his game under Udoka, then he’ll be 20. I don’t know what’s true about what’s being reported but I know Udoka wouldn’t be excited about a lazy player. Kids parents seem like solid, mature, hardworking mentors which always forms the bulk of a persons early work ethic.
Antman went through a patch when he doubted himself and came out an All Star. At least you have a power player after 2 drafts of pogosticks.
he is 18 and will be 19 in a few weeks. He will spend the season his rookie season at 19 then be 20 going into the next one.
One of our posters dropped a Corey Maggette comp on him, and I can totally see that. Two other comps I've heard are Jaylen Brown and Rudy Gay. I don't see Anthony Edwards level ceiling for Whitmore. Similar physical traits, but Ant is a much smarter and more decisive player. Whitmore's lack of court vision and processing speed/feel for the game is going to limit his potential, I think. If he can buy in and become a very good defensive player, he could be a #2 scoring option on a championship contender, but you'll have to be careful how you use him on offense because I don't think he's ever going to be more than a play finisher/go get a bucket at the end of the shot clock type of guy. (Hope I'm wrong.)
This is why some franchises and companies fail. They look too deep into the interview process of things and dismiss a candidate based on elements that sometimes don't factor in the negative way you think it does. Some elements can be dealt with in a way where you end up still getting the upside and higher reward your seeking. There's no perfect player. Question is what can you deal with and what can you develop in relation to what you want.
I wondered abut that. Especially after seeing the vaped during practice comment (rumor). Let's just say I wouldn't be surprised.
There is a lot to like with Cam Whitmore. He has tremendous burst on his drives to the basket. I’m not sure how he didn’t draw a lot of fouls in college. That Villanova team was a bit of a mess after Jay Wright retired the year before and missed the NCAA tournament. His perimeter shooting looks promising. He is developing his pull up, side step and step back shooting package. I love his high steal rate. I’m not overly concerned about the low assists yet. We will see what that looks like with more talented teammates. Best case scenario: a better shooting Jimmy Butler or Jaylen Brown. Worst case scenario: a better shooting Issac Okoro.
Houston actually pulled the first pick and the NBA begged them to let VW go to Spurs. Now a top 5-ish talent is available 15 picks later? Absolute 4D chessmate by Refill Stone.
